What are the simple tests to rule out colorectal cancer?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had hemorrhoids for a few years. My doctor has suggested a colonoscopy to rule out cancer. Is there any simple test available to rule out colon or rectal cancer?

Please mention an opinion regarding the stool occult blood test.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, you get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the abdomen done. You can have a mass when you have colon or rectal cancer. If a mass is seen, then you can do a colonoscopy.

You can also do a CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), as CEA shows an increase in range when you have colon cancer. You can also do a stool DNA test. If the stool DNA test is positive, then you can also do a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Bleeding in colon cancer or hemorrhoids does not have a fixed pattern. If the stool occult test is positive, then a colonoscopy can be done to rule out the disease. A stool DNA test is a more specific test for diagnosing it.

Colonoscopy is one of the most precise analyses done to diagnose colon cancer. It is very safe and painless nowadays.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.